Kathryn Hahn Shines in ‘WandaVision’ Spin-Off ‘Agatha All Along’

There are two types of people in this world: Marvel superfans who can spot easter eggs from a mile away, and newcomers who've only scratched the surface when it comes to the cinematic universe. I lean closer to the latter category, which means my knowledge of all things MCU is quite limited. But I will say this: Agatha All Along is a fascinating thrill ride that pulls fans into the dark world of witchcraft.

The WandaVision spin-off takes place three years after the events of the OG show, and this time, a spell-bound Agatha (Kathryn Hahn) finds herself in a true crime scenario that feels like an ode to Mare of Easttown. However, thanks to her former partner, Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), and a mysterious young ally who remains nameless (Joe Locke), she returns to her senses and embarks on a mission to travel down the Witches’ Road with a newly formed coven. As you'd expect, there's no shortage of Marvel Easter eggs (many of which I'm sure I missed), and the tone is equal parts spooky and fun. But most of all, Hahn is simply magnetic as Agatha—even more so without her powers.

Agatha was the character I loved to hate in WandaVision, but she was by far the most compelling. Sure, she's a master manipulator who's driven by greed and ambition, but there's also her sharp wit and sarcasm, which makes her so entertaining to watch. Fortunately, there's no shortage of this in the first two episodes of Agatha All Along, but I'm starting to see that there's more to the famous witch than her ongoing quest for power.

Hahn portrays her with such nuance, carrying an air of confidence one moment and showing vulnerability the next. And she can communicate volumes through her facial expressions—even as she's holding conflicting emotions in tension. For instance, in one scene from episode two, Agatha confronts a fellow witch named Lilia (Patti LuPone) and manages to keep her composure. But her face slowly falters and shows the tiniest flicker of fear as Lilia starts to air her dirty laundry. Even so, it dawns on Agatha that this witch can actually help her get what she wants, and that revelation is more than enough to make her break into a smile.